General Sir Richard Dannatt is conservative leader David Cameron's senior military adviser and was due to be given a perrage and become a defence minister.
But the current head of the Army, General Sir David Richard warned him he could be prosecuted in the Army Act for accepting a controversial political job while he is still technically a serving officer.
Last week Sir Richard told David Cameron's inner cirle, "I certainly shan't become a defence minister this year. I think that would be counter-productive and most unwise. I'm more than happy to make general advice available to the Conservative Party."
Military commanders given peerages traditionally sit as cross-benchers and stay out of party politics.
Sir Richard's plan provoked a fierce backlash among current Army chiefs and David Cameron's Shadow Cabinet. Mr Cameron made a big error in jumping the gun with recruiting Sir Richard. At the time and since members of his defence team have felt angry and rightly so.
David Cameron won't be pleased with this development as he was cock-a-hoop at having recruited Sir Richard but I'm sure the good Sir will be able to voice his opinions to Dave from the cross-benches.
Of course the tories have to win the election first.
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It's how Labour do business. Threats, blackmail pension entitlements, even murder. We need another Cromwell!
Oldrightie
Your a proper English Gentleman as we were always taught.
Not a chance of a prosecution, absolutely no way. Dannatt is surely on resettlement and terminal leave. Also a PR disaster of colossal magnitude. Perhaps cold (well, lukewarm) feet on Dannatt's part after the controversy.
We do indeed OR yet somehow I think we'll have a long wait.
Why am I agreeing with you? lol We need another Wallace. :)
Niko, flattery doesn't suit you. ;)
He is by all accounts Jess, but they've dug up an ancient rule from somewhere.
I've never known such infighting in the top brass have you?
What a proper dick he looks with all that bling festooned around him. Do these people have no capacity to see their own absurdity?
Since the good General said (quite rightly) there was no reason to replace Trident, I suggest all this talk of high office is rather academic. After wee Liam Fox isn't such a nice man as to be crossed by someone whom knows what he's talking about.
Them's the rules Vronsky. When SDs are called for you've to get it all together. Have you any idea how long it takes to prepare all that stuff? I'm sure 99% of the military would be happy to say forget it and go wherever in jeans.
That's perhaps part of the reason the tory defence team aren't keen on him Richard.
I shouldn't think Mr Fox is the type to take to someone with knowledge overtaking him.
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